Outrage Erupts Over Toluwanisings' Death: Government Blamed, Fundraiser Rejected

Nigerian gospel singer Olayemi Bolaji, popularly known as Toluwanisings, passed away on Wednesday, October 14, at the age of 41. His family confirmed his death in a statement shared on his TikTok account, describing him as a dearly loved husband, family member, and gospel minister. The family urged fans and well-wishers to remember his wife and other relatives in their prayers, with details of funeral arrangements to follow.

The circumstances surrounding Toluwanisings' death have drawn significant public attention, particularly concerning the challenges of accessing emergency medical care in Nigeria. Reports indicate that the singer suddenly collapsed in Ibadan, Oyo State, hours after performing at "In His Presence," a worship program. His personal assistant, Babadunni Gbolabo, stated that Toluwanisings was rushed to between seven and eight different hospitals, but efforts to obtain medical attention were unsuccessful. Some hospitals reportedly cited a doctors' strike, while others simply declined to admit him. The cause of death has not been officially disclosed.

Social media personality VeryDarkMan vehemently criticized the Nigerian government in the wake of the singer's passing, alleging that Toluwanisings' inability to receive medical care due to a doctors' strike was a damning indictment of the nation's healthcare system. VeryDarkMan expressed anger, asserting that ordinary Nigerians suffer from failing public services, while government officials and their families have privileged access to private medical facilities and treatment abroad. He stated, "Gospel singer Toluwanisings was rushed to about 7 different hospitals, but they were all said to be on strike, and he unfortunately lost his life. If we don’t save ourselves from these evil government, no one will. The government don’t care because they have a private hospital on standby where their families are registered. They also have a private jet ready to fly their own abroad."

Adding to the post-tragedy events, the TolaOluwa Foundation issued an apology for a fundraising appeal it shared following Toluwanisings' death. Posted on Instagram, the foundation admitted that the timing of the appeal was insensitive and caused distress to the grieving family and community. While the appeal was intended to support the late singer’s wife and children, the foundation acknowledged its failure to exercise greater caution before making the request public.

The statement from the TolaOluwa Foundation read, "Our intention was to offer support to his wife and children. However, we recognise that posting an appeal so soon after his passing was insensitive and caused distress at a time when his family, friends and community are grieving." The organization admitted it should have considered the timing and potential impact more carefully and obtained approval from relevant parties before publishing. The appeal also sparked questions regarding its legitimacy, prompting the foundation to defend its operations as a registered charity with the Corporate Affairs Commission, boasting a history of assisting people in need. Nevertheless, the foundation took responsibility for its communication on this specific occasion, stating, "Nonetheless, we take responsibility for how we communicated on this occasion."

The TolaOluwa Foundation confirmed that it had contacted the necessary parties and resolved the issue. Its current priority is to respect the family’s privacy and provide them space to mourn. The foundation further promised that any future fundraising initiatives connected to the family would be strictly guided by their wishes, with clear information provided on how donations would be managed. In a final apology to the singer’s family, loved ones, and all affected, the organization thanked those who raised concerns, concluding with a call to honor Toluwanisings’ memory with love, dignity, and respect. Among his known songs are 'A Very Big God' and 'Onibuore'.